Foster, Eldred W., House
9608 Heron Dr., Fort Worth, TXThe Eldred W. Foster House, 9608 Heron Drive, appears to be the first documented example of a post-war modem residence built from plans for an "Expandable House" published in the January, 1948 issue of the Woman's Home Companion Magazine. First in a series of articles featuring designs by leading modernists, the house was designed by the New York and Tokyo architectural firm of Raymond & Rado. Antonin Raymond and his wife, Noemi, were members of the Taliesin East fellowship in 1915-16. Raymond then served as Frank Lloyd Wright's chief designer for Tokyo's Imperial Hotel in 1921 before opening his own fum and launching a career in Japan during which he would be hailed as the father of modem architecture in that country. Raymond's chief designer for the Expandable House was David L. Leavitt, winner of the Princeton and Rome Prizes, whose international career included design of the National Historic Landmark "Dragon Rock" in Garrison, New York. With minor alteration at the time of construction, the house was faithfully built to the specifications by Eldred Foster, then a design engineer at the Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Company plant, located a few miles east of the site of the house on the southwest shore of Lake Worth. The small residence retains virtually all of its original historic features, both exterior and interior, and appears to be the only representative work of Antonin Raymond in Texas. The Foster house is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C in the area of Architecture at the local level as an excellent example of an architect-designed post-war contemporary house. It is also a prime example of the influence of shelter magazines on American architectural development of the post-war period as they introduced principles of modem design and at the same time encouraged affordable and expandable housing for a growing American population at mid-century. The period of significance is 1951 through 1958, covering the date of construction through the completion of two expansions.
Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Tarrant County was established in 1849 and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader during the Texas Revolution. The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th century, fueled by factors such as the expansion of railroads, cattle ranching, and the discovery of oil.
During the 20th century, Tarrant County continued to flourish and adapt to changing times. It became an important hub for transportation, commerce, and industry. The county's largest city, Fort Worth, emerged as a major center for cattle trading and eventually diversified into a vibrant economic and cultural hub.
Today, Tarrant County is one of the most populous counties in Texas, encompassing Fort Worth and several other cities and communities. It boasts a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Tarrant County is also home to renowned educational institutions, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, making it a dynamic and thriving region within the state.
Tarrant County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Tarrant County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlement.
1849: Tarrant County was officially established and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader in the Republic of Texas.
1850s: Fort Worth, the county seat, began as a military outpost on the Trinity River, providing protection for settlers and serving as a stop on the Chisholm Trail cattle drive route.
Late 19th Century: The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s spurred economic growth in Fort Worth and the county. The city became a center for the cattle industry, agriculture, and trade.
20th Century: Tarrant County experienced significant urbanization and diversification. Fort Worth became a major hub for the oil and gas industry, aviation, and defense with the establishment of military bases.
Civil Rights Era: Tarrant County, like many regions in the United States, faced challenges and changes during the civil rights movement, with efforts to achieve racial equality and social progress.
Modern Times: Tarrant County continues to thrive as a major economic and cultural center in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and education.